July 7, 2009 | Yvonne Lim Wilson
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The red envelope has special meaning in Chinese culture. The color red is a symbol of happiness. Gifts that are presented in a red envelope carry wishes of prosperity, good fortune, appreciation and affection.
Amy Wong Mok, founder and CEO of the Asian American Cultural Center, brought a large red envelope on behalf of the local Asian community to the Meals on Wheels and More (MOWAM) office in East Austin. Inside the envelope were a $5,000 check and keepsake binder.
Mok explained that the mission of Meals on Wheels and More – to provide meals to homebound elderly – lines up with Asian values.
“As we care for our elders, we are moved to expand our care to all elders and as we care for our children, we are moved to care for all children,” said Mok, reading a page she had written in the binder.
MOWAM CEO and president Dan Pruett and MOWAM board member Namkee Choi were on hand to receive the envelope during a special presentation on June 11th.
Through the Center, Mok had produced “Austin’s Asian Occasion,” a show featuring top-notch performances by local Asian artists at the Long Center on May 23. The show celebrated Asian American heritage month as well as raised funds and donated canned goods for MOWAM. The Asian American Cultural Center was the principal underwriter.
Pruett thanked Mok and several volunteers who had helped with the event. He added that Americans have much to learn from the Asian tradition of honoring elders
“We don’t pay enough attention and respect to our parents and grandparents. I think it’s going to start with y’all. We tend to think about the children, but we [don’t think about the elderly],” he said.
Pruett said Austin’s Asian Occasion has stood out amongst other fundraisers for the care and special meaning that was put into the effort.
“I don’t know of anyone has done it with the spirit and thoughtfulness of you all. You do it for the right reasons. This will have a place of honor in our hearts and in our new buildings,” he said.
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